But while the President's campaign speech contained plenty of political rhetoric, the message he and other speakers stressed was the need to vote early.

"We have got to get these votes in the bank," U.S. Representative Kathy Castor told the crowd.

"I don't care how bad you're hurt. I don't care where my voice is, we've got to push through this last week and a half," Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn added.

Obama planned to vote in his home state of Illinois on Thursday, becoming the first sitting President to vote early in-person.

"I can't tell you who I'm voting for, its a secret ballot," Obama said as the crowd erupted in laughter. "But Michelle says she voted for me."

Obama's stop comes as a new Associated Press GfK poll shows his lead among women has vanished. A month ago polls showed him leading among women by 16 points, but this week's survey shows Romney now tied with the President 47% to 47%.

Thursday's visit was the 14th time Obama has traveled to Florida since the beginning of the year. But it will not be his last. Obama is expected to campaign in Orlando on Monday with former President Bill Clinton.